PM: Russia's actions are wrong

World leaders are lining up to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin for violating Ukraine’s sovereignty.

But Faroese Prime Minister Bárður á Steig Nielsen appears hesitant go that far.

“We have discussed this in government and in our security council, and our position is that Russia’s actions in Ukraine are highly inconsistent with our definition of democracy,” he said today.

“The Faroe Islands have not been asked to impose any sanctions on Russia, but we are of course addressing this situation with the seriousness it deserves.”

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Russia is by far the biggest export market for the Faroes. About a quarter of all Faroese exports go to Russia. This mostly consists of fish products at annual export values of DKK 2-3 billion.

Reporter: “I have asked you twice whether the Faroes condemn Russia’s actions, but you haven’t given a clear answer. Do our strong trade relations with Russia stand in the way of a direct condemnation here?”

Nielsen: “We fully support Ukraine’s sovereignty, and I believe that what Russia is doing in Ukraine is wrong. Isn’t that a form of condemnation?”.

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In his annual ólavsøka speech, Nielsen said that the Faroes would seek to further strengthen trade ties with Russia.

Asked whether what is happening in Ukraine has changed his view on this, the Prime Minister replied:

“It is important to separate trade relations from security policy. We want good trade relations with all nations, and as far as I know, food exports are not included in the sanctions currently being prepared by western leaders. So let’s see how the situation evolves over the coming days and weeks.”

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

More Faroese News in English.